Revealing molecular detail of DNA triplexes to underpin antigene technology

经典DNA双螺旋结构的变异被认为在一系列细胞过程中发挥关键作用，特别是基因调控。然而，这些不寻常的DNA结构的生物学功能和治疗潜力还没有得到很好的探索，因为控制它们形成和与细胞机制相互作用的基本分子细节没有得到很好的描述。该项目旨在开发创新的方法来研究并重要地调节DNA和RNA的三螺旋组装、特异性和分子相互作用。由此产生的见解将支持基因调控的新方法，主要是在设计新的抗菌剂来解决抗菌素耐药性问题的背景下。

Variations from the classic DNA double helix structure are proposed to play key roles in a range of cellular processes, particularly gene regulation. However, the biological function and therapeutic potential of these unusual DNA structures are poorly explored, since the fundamental molecular details which govern their formation and interactions with cellular machinery are not well described. This project aims to develop innovative methods to investigate, and importantly modulate, DNA and RNA triple helix assembly, specificity and molecular interactions. Resulting insights will underpin novel approaches to gene regulation, principally in the context of designing new antibacterial agents to address the antibacterial resistance problem.